Secure communications between fueling station components

ABSTRACT

A selection of a fueling station item, graphically depicted on a display of a fuel dispenser and corresponding to an available fueling station product, can be received by at least one data processor of a fuel dispenser. A two dimensional barcode based on the selected fueling station item can be determined. The two dimensional barcode can be provided to the fuel dispenser display for graphical depiction on the fuel dispenser display.

FIELD

The current subject matter relates to secure communications betweenfueling station components.

BACKGROUND

Some current fueling environments rely on traditional methods ofcommunication between fueling transaction components such as a fueldispenser and a payment information device (e.g., debit/credit card,radio frequency identification (RFID) key fob encoding paymentinformation, and the like). However, these methods have some securityvulnerabilities as would-be identity thieves can install paymentinformation interception devices on fuel dispensers and therebyintercept a customer's information.

In addition, fueling stations typically rely on traditional modes ofmedia delivery, such as signage, flyers, posters, and social media toattract customers. It is difficult to deliver media pertaining tosecondary products available at fueling stations, such as conveniencestore sales and on-site car washes, to customers at fueling stationsthat are solely purchasing fuel. In addition, at times, customers mayvisit a fueling station to purchase fuel, only to find that all fueldispensers at the fueling station are occupied, which can result incustomer frustration and/or a loss of business in the event the customeris unable or unwilling to wait for a fuel dispenser to become available.

SUMMARY

Methods and systems for secure communications between fueling stationcomponents are provided. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, andarticles are also described.

In one aspect, data characterizing a selection of a fueling station itemgraphically depicted on a display of a fuel dispenser and correspondingto an available fueling station product, can be received by at least onedata processor of a fuel dispenser. The at least one data processor canbe operably coupled to the fuel dispenser display. A two-dimensionalbarcode encoding information characterizing the selected fueling stationitem can be determined by the at least one data processor and based onthe received data. The two-dimensional barcode can be provided to thefuel dispenser display for graphical depiction on the fuel dispenserdisplay.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasiblecombination. For example, the two-dimensional barcode depicted on thefuel dispenser display can be received at a camera of an end userdevice, a data packet characterizing a status of a fueling stationtransaction can be received at the end user device, a secondtwo-dimensional barcode, based on the two-dimensional barcode and thedata packet and characterizing the fueling station transaction statusand the selected fueling station item, can be determined at the end userdevice, and the second two-dimensional barcode can be provided to adisplay of the end user device for depiction on the end user devicedisplay. For example, the fueling station item can include one or moreof a type of fuel, a grade of fuel, and an amount of fuel. For example,the fueling station item can include a usage of an air compressor. Forexample, the fueling station item can include a usage of an on-site carwash. For example, the fueling station item can include one or moreconvenience store items. For example, the two-dimensional barcode can bea quick reference code. For example, the second two dimensional barcodecan be a quick reference code. For example, the fuel dispenser displaycan include a touchscreen. For example, the second two-dimensionalbarcode can encode information characterizing a coupon stored in amemory of the end user device.

In another aspect, a system is provided and can include at least onedata processor and memory storing instructions configured to cause theat least one data processor to perform operations described herein. Theoperations can include receiving, by at least one data processor of afuel dispenser, data characterizing a selection of a fueling stationitem, the fueling station item graphically depicted on a display of thefuel dispenser and corresponding to an available fueling stationproduct, the at least one data processor operably coupled to the fueldispenser display, determining, by the at least one data processor andbased on the received data, a two-dimensional barcode encodinginformation characterizing the selected fueling station item, andproviding the two-dimensional barcode to the fuel dispenser display forgraphical depiction on the fuel dispenser display.

One or more of the following features can be included in any feasiblecombination. For example, the operations can further include receiving,at a camera of an end user device, the two-dimensional barcode depictedon the fuel dispenser display, receiving, at the end user device, a datapacket, the data packet characterizing a status of a fueling stationtransaction, determining, based on the two-dimensional barcode and thedata packet, and at the end user device, a second two-dimensionalbarcode, the second two-dimensional barcode encoding informationcharacterizing the fueling station transaction status and the selectedfueling station item, and providing the second two-dimensional barcodeto a display of the end user device for depiction on the end user devicedisplay. For example, the fueling station item can include one or moreof a type of fuel, a grade of fuel, and an amount of fuel. For example,the fueling station item can include a usage of an air compressor. Forexample, the fueling station item can include a usage of an on-site carwash. For example, the fueling station item can include one or moreconvenience store items. For example, the two-dimensional barcode can bea quick reference code. For example, the second two dimensional barcodecan be a quick reference code. For example, the fuel dispenser displaycan include a touchscreen. For example, the second two-dimensionalbarcode can encode information characterizing a coupon stored in amemory of the end user device.

Non-transitory computer program products (i.e., physically embodiedcomputer program products) are also described that store instructions,which when executed by one or more data processors of one or morecomputing systems, causes at least one data processor to performoperations herein. Similarly, computer systems are also described thatmay include one or more data processors and memory coupled to the one ormore data processors. The memory may temporarily or permanently storeinstructions that cause at least one processor to perform one or more ofthe operations described herein. In addition, methods can be implementedby one or more data processors either within a single computing systemor distributed among two or more computing systems. Such computingsystems can be connected and can exchange data and/or commands or otherinstructions or the like via one or more connections, including aconnection over a network (e.g. the Internet, a wireless wide areanetwork, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, orthe like), via a direct connection between one or more of the multiplecomputing systems, etc.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter describedherein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the descriptionbelow. Other features and advantages of the subject matter describedherein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiments described above will be more fully understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn toscale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled inevery drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example process of someimplementations of the current subject matter that can provide forsecure payments and active marketing in fuel dispensing transactions;

FIG. 2 is a system diagram illustrating an example system of someimplementations of the current subject matter that can provide forsecure payments and active marketing in fuel dispensing transactions;

FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram illustrating the transfer of data betweenthe system components illustrated in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a fueldispenser;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the fuel dispenser shown in FIG.4A; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing internal components of the fuel dispenser ofFIGS. 4A and 4B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide anoverall understanding of the principles of the structure, function,manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One ormore examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and thatthe scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Thefeatures illustrated or described in connection with one exemplaryembodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the present invention.

Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of theembodiments generally have similar features, and thus within aparticular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is notnecessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent thatlinear or circular dimensions are used in the description of thedisclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are notintended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunctionwith such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the artwill recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensionscan easily be determined for any geometric shape.

In general, a system for secure communication at fueling stations, andmethods for use thereof, are provided. In some implementations, thesystem can include a fuel dispenser with a two-dimensional barcodegenerator that is configured to generate a two-dimensional barcode foruse in communicating with a mobile device of a fuel dispenser user.After the fuel dispenser has selected various items, such as fuel, foodand beverages, and/or the usage of such on-site services as thecompressed air and car wash stations by interacting with a display ofthe fuel dispenser, the two-dimensional barcode generator can determinethe two-dimensional barcode, which encodes information characterizingthe selected items. The fuel dispenser can depict the two-dimensionalbarcode on a display of the fuel dispenser. A user can, by use of acamera on a mobile device, acquire an image of the displayedtwo-dimensional barcode, and an application on the mobile device candecode the information encoded in the two-dimensional barcode, performfurther processing using the information (e.g., communicate with one ormore remote servers for storage and/or logging data characterizingfueling station usage, etc.), thereby allowing for secure communicationsbetween components at a fueling station.

FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example process 100 ofsome implementations of the current subject matter that can provide forsecure communications between components at a fueling station, and FIG.2 is a system diagram illustrating an example system 200 thatincorporates some implementations of the current subject matter and thatcan provide for the same. As shown in FIG. 2 , the system 200 includes afuel dispenser 210 configured to dispense fuel and having at least onedata processor configured to perform the functionality described herein;a fueling station 220 in operable communication with the fuel dispenser210 that is configured to manage the dispensation of fuel from the fueldispenser 210 and the purchase of fueling station items that areunrelated to the purchase of fuel; a server 230 in operablecommunication with the fueling station controller 220; and a mobiledevice 240 in operable communication with the fuel dispenser 210 and theserver 230 and including an application configured to provide thefunctionality described herein.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2 , at 110, data characterizing aselection of a fueling station item can be received by at least one dataprocessor of a fuel dispenser, such as fuel dispenser 210. In someimplementations, the fueling station item can be a graphical objectdepicted on a display of the fuel dispenser that is operably coupled tothe at least one data processor, and the at least one data processor canbe configured to generate the fueling station item for depiction on thedisplay. In some implementations, the display can be an interactive ortouchscreen display wherein the user can touch or otherwise interactwith the display to make the selection of the fueling station item.

In some implementations, the fueling station item can correspond to anavailable fueling station product that is presented to the user. In someimplementations, the available fueling station product can include atype and/or grade of fuel selected by the user for dispensation from thefuel dispenser. In some implementations, the available fueling stationproduct can include one or more convenience store items (e.g., food,beverage, automotive supplies, etc.). In some implementations, theavailable fueling station product can include one or more supplementalservices (e.g., air compressor usage, on-site car wash services, etc.)that are available for purchase at the fuel dispenser.

In some implementations, the at least one data processor can include aninput/output device configured to receive the selected fueling stationitem, a memory configured to store the selected fueling station item,and a processor configured to perform operations on the selected fuelingstation item, as discussed in further detail below. In someimplementations, the at least one data processor can be a component ofthe fuel dispenser and housed therein. In some implementations, the atleast one data processor can be located in at least one computing systemat the fueling station, outside of the fuel dispenser. In someimplementations, the at least one data processor can be located at aremote location, away from the fueling station and the fuel dispenser.

For example, in use, a user can arrive at the fueling station and parktheir vehicle in front of a fuel dispenser. The user can interact withthe interactive display of the fuel dispenser by navigating through theinterface to select one or more graphical objects depicted on theinteractive display that correspond to a fueling station item (e.g., atype/grade of fuel available at the fuel dispenser; convenience storeitems, such as food, beverages, and/or automotive supplies available atthe fueling station; and/or vehicle services, such as air compressortime and on-site car wash services, etc.). If the interactive display isa touchscreen, the user can touch the portion of the display thatcorresponds to the graphical object and thereby select their desiredfueling station items.

At 120, a two-dimensional barcode can be determined by the at least onedata processor based on the first data packet. The two-dimensionalbarcode can encode information that characterizes the selected fuelingstation item. In some implementations, the processor of the at least onedata processor can access the memory of the at least one data processorto retrieve and convert the selected fueling station item into thetwo-dimensional barcode, which can be a graphical representationcharacterizing the selected fueling station item. For example, in someimplementations, the processor of the at least one data processor canconvert the selected fueling station item into a binary-type code, whichcan then be graphically represented (e.g., white portion for “0”, blackportion for “1”). In some implementations, the at least one dataprocessor can convert the selected fueling station item into a quickreference code. In some implementations, data characterizing theselected fueling station item can be provided in a string or text format(e.g., American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) orother format) to the at least one data processor for conversion into thetwo-dimensional barcode. In some implementations, data characterizingthe selected fueling station item can be transmitted between fuelingstation components in a string or text format.

At 130, the two-dimensional barcode can be provided to the fueldispenser display. In some implementations, the two-dimensional barcodecan be transmitted from the processor of the at least one dataprocessor, through the input/output device of the at least one dataprocessor, and to the fuel dispenser display for depiction thereon. Insome implementations, the two dimensional barcode can be provided to thefuel dispenser display after dispensation of fuel from the fueldispenser has occurred, and the two dimensional barcode can includeinformation characterizing the dispensation of fuel.

The two dimensional barcode, and other types of data characterizingvarious aspects of the fueling station transaction, can be transmittedbetween various components of the fueling station. For example, in someimplementations, the two-dimensional barcode can be scanned by a cameraof a mobile device of the fueling station customer, such as mobiledevice 240. The mobile device, which can include memory and at least onedata processor, can include an application that is configured to utilizethe at least one data processor to recognize the two-dimensional barcodescanned by the camera and to discern the information encoded in thetwo-dimensional barcode.

The discerned information can be used by the processor to prepare atransaction data packet, which can be sent to a payment server, such asserver 230. The transaction data packet can include informationcharacterizing the purchased fueling station items. In someimplementations, the application can also provide a prompt for the userto provide their payment method (e.g., credit card, debit card, etc.).In some implementations, the payment method can be stored on the mobiledevice. In some implementations, the payment method can be scanned orotherwise entered by the user into the application prompt and includedas part of the transaction data packet. The payment server can send thetransaction data packet to the fueling station's bank, which can sendpayment and a transaction authorization to the fueling station thatindicates that the transaction is complete. In some implementations,when the customer has ordered convenience store items as part of thepurchase, the application can instruct the processor to generate, andprovide to an interactive display of the mobile device, an authorizationtwo-dimensional barcode that encodes the transaction authorization andthe ordered convenience store items. When the authorizationtwo-dimensional barcode is depicted on the display of the mobile device,the customer can present the authorization two-dimensional code to atwo-dimensional barcode reader located within a convenience store at thefueling station to pick up the convenience store items. In someimplementations, more than one authorization two-dimensional barcode canbe determined and provided to the interactive display of the mobiledevice for use by the user in picking up portions of the purchasedfueling station items at various locations at the fueling station.

FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram 300 illustrating the transfer of one ormore of the types of data described herein between the system componentsillustrated in FIG. 2 and in accordance with some implementations of thecurrent subject matter. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , in someimplementations, the two-dimensional barcode can encode information thatcharacterizes, for example, the fueling station location, the fueldispenser, and/or the fueling products (e.g., types/grades of fuel)available at the fuel dispenser. A user can, at 310, acquire an image ofthe two-dimensional barcode from an interactive display of the fueldispenser 210 using the camera on the user's mobile device 240, and thecamera can, in turn, provide the image to an image processor on themobile device.

In some implementations, prior to the dispensation of fuel from the fueldispenser, the customer can, instead of selecting their desired productson the interactive display of the fuel dispenser, select their desiredproducts via the application on their mobile device. Similar to thefunctionality described above, a user can acquire an image of atwo-dimensional barcode from a fuel dispenser using the camera on theuser's mobile device and provide the image to an image processor on themobile device. The image processor can decode the information encoded inthe two-dimensional barcode and provide the decoded information to theapplication for further processing by the application during a fuelingtransaction. For example, in some implementations, wherein the decodedinformation characterizes the fueling station, the fuel dispenser, andthe fueling products available at the fuel dispenser, the applicationcan generate a graphical representation of the fueling products andprovide the graphical representation to the interactive display of themobile device. As such, the application can depict a fueling stationitem on an interactive display of the mobile device. Similar to thefunctionality above, the fueling station item can characterize thevarious products and services available for selection by a user at afueling station, such as a type/grade/amount of fuel, food, beverage,automotive supplies, car wash products, and the like. The user canselect the fueling station item by interacting with the interactivedisplay of the mobile device. In some implementations, the applicationcan provide an interface for the user to provide a desired sale amountof fuel and to total any additional fueling station items with thedesired sale amount to create a pre-authorization amount. Theapplication can also provide a prompt for the user to provide theirpayment method (e.g., credit card, debit card, etc.). In someimplementations, the payment method can be stored on the mobile device.In some implementations, the payment method can be scanned or otherwiseentered by the user into the application prompt.

The mobile device 240 can then provide, at 320, via communicationcomponents of the mobile device (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver, cellulartransceiver, etc.) in response to an instruction from the user topurchase the fueling product from the fuel dispenser, informationcharacterizing the fueling product selection, the fuel dispenser, thefueling station, and any payment information associated with the userpreviously stored on the mobile device (such as credit/debit cardinformation) to a transaction server (such as 230) in operablecommunication with the mobile device 240. The transaction server cangenerate a pre-authorization inquiry that includes a pre-authorizationamount of money and provide the pre-authorization inquiry to a paymentserver of a merchant associated with the user's payment information thatis also in operable communication with the transaction server 230. Thepayment server can determine whether a bank account (or line of credit,if the payment information includes credit card information) associatedwith the payment information has funds available for payment of thefueling transaction.

If the payment server determines that the bank account (or line ofcredit, if applicable) has sufficient funds for payment for the fuelingtransaction, based on the pre-authorization amount of money, the paymentserver can generate and provide an authorization instruction to thetransaction server that contains information characterizing aninstruction to proceed with the fueling transaction in accordance withthe pre-authorization amount of money. The transaction server 230 can,in response to receiving the authorization instruction, generate afueling instruction characterizing a command to dispense fuel. Thefueling instruction can include information characterizing the fueldispenser, the fueling station, the pre-authorization amount of money,and the desired fueling product. The fueling instruction can be providedby the transaction server, at 330, to a fueling station controller, suchas fueling station controller 220, at the fueling station. At 340, thefueling station controller 220 can generate and provide a command to thefuel dispenser 210 to instruct the user to remove the fuel dispensernozzle from the fuel dispenser and dispense the selected fuel via thenozzle in accordance with the fueling instruction. In someimplementations, the transaction server can generate and provide thefueling instruction and the command directly to the fuel dispenser,bypassing the fueling station controller 220.

Once the user has finished dispensing the fuel and replaced the nozzleon the fuel dispenser, the fuel dispenser generates and provides atransaction completion instruction to the transaction server. In someimplementations, the transaction completion instruction can be providedto the transaction server via the forecourt controller. The transactioncompletion instruction can include such information as a quantity offuel dispensed and a total sale amount. The transaction server cangenerate a payment settlement instruction containing a command to settlethe payment for the fueling transaction and provide the paymentsettlement instruction to the payment server, which executes the paymentsettlement command. The transaction server can also generate anotification signifying that the transaction has been completed andprovide the notification to the mobile device. The mobile device candisplay the notification to the user via the interactive display.

In some implementations, the application can provide instructions to aprocessor of the mobile device that can determine, based on the selectedfueling station item (and thereby the selected product(s)/service(s)),an application two-dimensional barcode, which can be provided to theinteractive display of the mobile device. Similar to the two-dimensionalbarcodes discussed above, the application two-dimensional barcode canencode information that characterizes the selected fueling station item.In some implementations, the processor of the mobile device can accessthe memory of the mobile device to retrieve and convert datacharacterizing the purchased products into the applicationtwo-dimensional barcode, which can be a graphical representationcharacterizing the selected products. For example, in someimplementations, the processor of the mobile device can convert thefirst data packet into a binary-type code, which can then be graphicallyrepresented (e.g., white portion for “0”, black portion for “1”). Insome implementations, the processor of the mobile device can convertselected fueling station item into a quick reference code.

A user can then present the application two-dimensional barcode, asdepicted on the interactive display of the mobile device, to atwo-dimensional barcode reader disposed on the fuel dispenser. Thetwo-dimensional barcode reader can read the application two-dimensionalbarcode and transmit the application two-dimensional barcode to the atleast one data processor of the fuel dispenser. The at least one dataprocessor of the fuel dispenser can decode the applicationtwo-dimensional barcode to determine the products (e.g.,type/grade/amount of fuel) characterized by the selected fueling stationitem. The at least one data processor can activate various functions ofthe fuel dispenser, such as the dispensation of the purchasedtype/grade/amount of fuel, based on the selected fueling station itemdetermined from the application two-dimensional barcode, such that theuser may receive their selected products.

As mentioned above, in some implementations, the selected products caninclude convenience store items, such as food, beverage, automotivesupplies, and the like, available for pickup at the convenience store ofthe fueling station. When the selected products include these items (andthe application two-dimensional barcode encodes informationcharacterizing the selected products in the manner described above), theuser can present the application two-dimensional barcode to atwo-dimensional barcode reader located within the convenience store,which can similarly read the barcode and transmit the barcode to atleast one data processor of a convenience store register. The at leastone data processor of the convenience store register can decode theapplication two-dimensional barcode to determine the selected productsand authorize the pickup of these items by the user.

The application can also include several capabilities that facilitatethe functionality described herein. For example, in someimplementations, the application can provide a depiction, to theinteractive display of the mobile device, that indicates to the user thelocations of nearby fueling stations and/or convenience stores. In someimplementations, the application can provide, to the interactive displayof the mobile device, a graphical depiction of the pumps at a fuelingstation that can indicate the types/grades of fuel available at eachpump. The application can also provide a depiction, to the interactivedisplay of the mobile device, that indicates available marketing andpromotional offers that are applicable to products and/or servicesavailable at a fueling station and/or convenience store that locatednearby, as identified by the application. In some implementations, theapplication can provide the depiction of the marketing and promotionaloffers specific to a particular fueling station in response todetecting, via the determined location of the mobile device, that theuser has arrived at that fueling station. In some implementations, theapplication can retrieve coupons for the products and/or services, intwo-dimensional barcode format, that are stored in the memory of themobile device, and the application can provide a two-dimensional barcodecharacterizing the coupon to the interactive display of the mobiledevice, which can then be presented by the user to the fuel dispensertwo-dimensional barcode reader and/or the convenience store registertwo-dimensional barcode reader for redemption by the user in a fuelingstation transaction. In some implementations, data characterizing thecoupon can be encoded into the application two-dimensional barcodesdescribed herein, such that, for example, the user can redeem the couponwhen the two-dimensional barcodes are presented to the fuel dispensertwo-dimensional barcode reader and/or the convenience store registertwo-dimensional barcode reader in accordance with the functionalitydescribed herein.

In some implementations, the application can include an input dialogconfigured to receive promotion and/or discount codes that permit theuser to take advantage of reduced-price products and/or services. Insome implementations, the application can also receive voice commandsfrom a user and determine the products selected for purchase based onthe voice commands. In some implementations, the application cantransmit, via the communication interfaces of the mobile device,information about the fueling station items to other mobile deviceusers. In some implementations, the authorization two-dimensionalbarcodes described herein can be forwarded to other mobile device usersto thereby enable individuals other than the original purchaser toobtain the purchased fueling station items. In some implementations, theapplication can display the two-dimensional barcodes described herein onaccessories operably coupled to the mobile device (e.g., smart watchesetc.).

In some implementations, a static two-dimensional barcode can bedisplayed on an exterior surface of the fuel dispenser (e.g., a fueldispenser electronics compartment or a fuel dispenser pump compartment).Similar to the two-dimensional barcode described above, the statictwo-dimensional barcode can encode information that characterizes, forexample, the fueling station location, the fuel dispenser, and/or thefueling products (e.g., types/grades of fuel) available at the fueldispenser. A user can acquire an image of the static two-dimensionalbarcode using the camera on the user's mobile device, and the cameracan, in turn, provide the image to an image processor on the mobiledevice.

Similar to the functionality described above, the image processor candecode the information encoded in the static two-dimensional barcode andprovide the decoded information to the application for furtherprocessing by the application during a fueling transaction. For example,in some implementations, wherein the decoded information characterizesthe fueling station, the fuel dispenser, and the fueling productsavailable at the fuel dispenser, the application can generate agraphical representation of the fueling products and provide thegraphical representation to the interactive display of the mobiledevice. The user can then select the graphical representationcorresponding to the desired fueling product via the interactivedisplay. The application can then provide, via communication componentsof the mobile device (e.g., Wi-Fi transceiver, cellular transceiver,etc.) in response to an instruction from the user to purchase thefueling product from the fuel dispenser, information characterizing thefueling product selection, the fuel dispenser, the fueling station, andany payment information associated with the user previously stored onthe mobile device (such as credit/debit card information) to atransaction server in operable communication with the mobile device. Thetransaction server can generate a pre-authorization inquiry thatincludes a pre-authorization amount of money and provide thepre-authorization inquiry to a payment server of a merchant associatedwith the user's payment information. The payment server can determinewhether a bank account (or line of credit, if the payment informationincludes credit card information) associated with the paymentinformation has funds available for payment of the fueling transaction.

If the payment server determines that the bank account (or line ofcredit, if applicable) has sufficient funds for payment for the fuelingtransaction, based on the pre-authorization amount of money, the paymentserver can generate and provide an authorization instruction to thetransaction server that contains information characterizing aninstruction to proceed with the fueling transaction in accordance withthe pre-authorization amount of money. The transaction server can, inresponse to receiving the authorization instruction, generate a fuelinginstruction characterizing a command to dispense fuel. The fuelinginstruction can include information characterizing the fuel dispenser,the fueling station, the pre-authorization amount of money, and thedesired fueling product. The fueling instruction can be provided by thetransaction server to a forecourt controller at the fueling station,which can generate and provide a command to the fuel dispenser toinstruct the user to remove the fuel dispenser nozzle from the fueldispenser and dispense the selected fuel via the nozzle in accordancewith the fueling instruction. In some implementations, the transactionserver can generate and provide the fueling instruction and the commanddirectly to the fuel dispenser, bypassing the forecourt controller.

Once the user has finished dispensing the fuel and replaced the nozzleon the fuel dispenser, the fuel dispenser generates and provides atransaction completion instruction to the transaction server. In someimplementations, the transaction completion instruction can be providedto the transaction server via the forecourt controller. The transactioncompletion instruction can include such information as a quantity offuel dispensed and a total sale amount. The transaction server cangenerate a payment settlement instruction containing a command to settlethe payment for the fueling transaction and provide the paymentsettlement instruction to the payment server, which executes the paymentsettlement command. The transaction server can also generate anotification signifying that the transaction has been completed andprovide the notification to the mobile device. The mobile device candisplay the notification to the user via the interactive display.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of a fuel dispenser 400 thatcan be used in some implementations of the current subject matter, andFIG. 5 illustrates components of the fuel dispenser. In general, thefuel dispenser 400 includes an electronics compartment 402 and a pumpcompartment 404. The pump compartment 404 houses a pump configured topump fuel from a fuel tank or other reservoir, as well as one or moremeters that can be configured to monitor fuel flow, flow of fueladditives, and/or flow of other components of the fuel. The pumpcompartment 404 can also include other components to facilitate fueldispensing and mixing, such as motors and valves, a strainer/filteringsystem, a vapor recovery system, and the like. The pump compartment 404is isolated from the electronics compartment 402 within the fueldispenser 400 to facilitate safety, security, and/or maintenance, aswill be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Fuel is thus notallowed to flow from the pump compartment 404 to the electronicscompartment 302 and instead flows from the pump compartment 404 throughhoses 406 to nozzles 408 for dispensing. As will be appreciated by aperson skilled in the art, the nozzles 408 are each configured todispense fuel from the fuel dispenser 400 as pumped therefrom by thepump.

The electronics compartment 402 houses electronics for facilitatingpayment for fuel and for facilitating the dispensing of the fuel. Forexample, the electronics compartment 402 can include a fuel controller419 that, at least in some implementations, includes a data processor,memory, and storage forming part of at least one computing system. Thefuel controller 419 is configured to control dispensing of the fuel fromthe pump compartment 404. The electronics compartment 402 also includesa payment terminal 405 that is configured to provide a user with one ormore options to create a desired fuel mixture, receive instructionscharacterizing the desired fuel mixture, receive payment informationand/or user identification information from a user, transmit and receivethe payment information and/or the user identification information witha POS system via a forecourt controller, and deliver fuelinginstructions to the fuel controller 419 to dispense fuel. The paymentterminal 405 can also be configured to provide a user with informationrelated to a status of fueling. For example, the payment terminal candisplay an amount of fuel that has been dispensed, and a correspondingfuel cost as the fuel mixture is dispensed.

The payment terminal 405 can be configured to facilitate communicationbetween a user and the fuel controller 419, and can include aninteractive display 420 and an information module 410. The informationmodule 410 can, at least in some implementations include a dataprocessor, memory, and storage, forming part of at least one computingsystem. The payment terminal 405 can also include one or more wiredcommunication modules 416 and/or wireless communication modules 418 anda control module 412 that, at least in some implementations includes adata processor, memory, and storage, forming part of at least onecomputing system. The communication modules 416, 418 can function toallow data to be transmitted to and from various components within thepayment terminal 405 via wired and/or wireless communication,respectively. For example, the communication modules 416, 418 can beconfigured to transmit and receive signals that can characterize, e.g.,payment information, user identification information, and/or informationregarding a desired fuel selection, via wired and/or wirelesscommunications, respectively. The wireless communication module 418 caninclude, e.g., a transceiver for communicating via Bluetooth protocol,cellular protocol, WI-FI protocol, near field communication (NFC),and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol. Wired and/orwireless communication via the communication modules 416, 418 can beaccording to any of a variety of communication protocols, e.g., TCP/IP,etc., as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

The interactive display 420, which can be, or can include, atouchscreen. The interactive display 420 can be operably coupled to thecontrol module 412 which can be used to control, dynamically rearrange,and/or update a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on the display420. The display 420 can be configured to show information (e.g., mediacontent, fuel selection options, payment information, useridentification information, etc.) in the form of one or more graphicalelements, or graphical objects, receive input (e.g., instructions for adesired fuel mixture, user identification information, paymentinformation, etc.) thereon, and can deliver data characterizing theinput to the control module 412 to be processed. Some examples ofinformation that the display 420 can receive from the user are: totalcost, desired fuel volume, desired fuel mixture, desired additives, aninitiate fueling command, and a terminate fueling command. In someimplementations, the user can provide user information, such as userpreferences, contact information, etc., and/or information regarding adevice that will consume the fuel, such as vehicle make, model, mileage,and the like. The user can also be provided with a recommend fuel blendwhich they can choose to select.

To facilitate payment, the information module 410 can be configured toreceive input such as, e.g., user identification information and/orpayment information, and deliver the information to the control module412. For example, the information module 310 can include a barcodeand/or QR code scanner, and/or a NFC contactless card reader forreceiving payment information and/or user identification information.

In some embodiments, the information module 410 can include an imagesensor for acquiring images of facial features of the user, barcodeand/or QR code information (e.g., to scan a loyalty rewards card),vehicle features (e.g., vehicle make, model, color, etc.), license platenumber, non-facial body features, and the like, which can be used asuser identification information. As another example, the informationmodule can include a palm reader and or/fingerprint reader which canscan a palm and/or finger of the user to obtain user identificationinformation. In some embodiments, the user identification informationcan be associated with a loyalty rewards identifier automatically.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a pre-determined payment method, anduser preferences, can be determined based on user identificationinformation.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the information module 410 can be operably coupledto the wired communication module 416 and/or the wireless communicationmodule 418. The wired and wireless communication modules 416, 418 canallow the information module 410 to send and receive payment informationand/or user identification information to and from a mobile device suchas a smart phone, tablet, laptop, and the like, that is in electroniccommunication with the information module 410 via the wired and/orwireless communication modules 416, 418. Although the wirelesscommunication module 418 is shown to be located within the paymentterminal, the wireless communication module 418 can be located elsewhereon, within, or in the vicinity of, the fuel dispenser 400. For example,the wireless communication module 418 can be mounted on top of the fueldispenser, which can facilitate retrofitting the wireless communicationmodule 418 to existing fuel dispensers and/or facilitate repair,upgrade, or other maintenance of the communication module 418, asdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/182,201 filed on Jun.14, 2016 and entitled “Methods and Devices for Fuel Dispenser ElectronicCommunication.”

The subject matter described herein can provide several advantages. Byusing the functionality and components described above, a customer cancomplete a fueling station transaction without having to provide creditcard payment information to a fuel dispenser or a convenience store atthe fueling station, which can eliminate the risk of theft of thecustomer's credit card information via such devices as credit cardskimmers. The functionality described herein also provides for improvedtransaction speed as compared to conventional payment methods.

One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described hereincan be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware,software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or featurescan include implementation in one or more computer programs that areexecutable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including atleast one programmable processor, which can be special or generalpurpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmitdata and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device,and at least one output device. The programmable system or computingsystem may include clients and servers. A client and server aregenerally remote from each other and typically interact through acommunication network. The relationship of client and server arises byvirtue of computer programs running on the respective computers andhaving a client-server relationship to each other.

These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs,software, software applications, applications, components, or code,include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can beimplemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-orientedprogramming language, a functional programming language, a logicalprogramming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As usedherein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computerprogram product, apparatus and/or device, such as for example magneticdiscs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs),used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmableprocessor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machineinstructions as a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readablesignal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/ordata to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can storesuch machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as woulda non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or anyequivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternativelyor additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner,such as for example as would a processor cache or other random accessmemory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or featuresof the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) ora liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitorfor displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice, such as for example a mouse or a trackball, by which the usermay provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used toprovide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedbackprovided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as forexample visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; andinput from the user may be received in any form, including, but notlimited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible inputdevices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or othertouch-sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive orcapacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, opticalscanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associatedinterpretation software, and the like.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantagesof the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly,the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shownand described, except as indicated by the appended claims. Allpublications and references cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by at least onedata processor of a fuel dispenser, data characterizing a selection of afueling station item, the fueling station item graphically depicted on adisplay of the fuel dispenser and characterizing a fuel available at thefuel dispenser, the at least one data processor operably coupled to thefuel dispenser display; determining, by the at least one data processorand based on the received data, a two-dimensional barcode encodinginformation characterizing the selected fueling station item; displayingthe two-dimensional barcode on the fuel dispenser display; receiving, bythe at least one data processor, a fueling instruction characterizing acommand to dispense, by the fuel dispenser, an authorized amount of thefuel, the fueling instruction determined based on authorization datacharacterizing the authorized amount of the fuel, the authorization datadetermined based on a user interaction with the displayedtwo-dimensional barcode; and causing the fuel dispenser to dispense theauthorized amount of fuel based on the received fueling instruction. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, at a camera of anend user device, the two-dimensional barcode depicted on the fueldispenser display; receiving, at the end user device, a data packet, thedata packet characterizing a status of a fueling station transaction;determining, based on the two-dimensional barcode and the data packet,and at the end user device, a second two-dimensional barcode, the secondtwo-dimensional barcode encoding information characterizing the fuelingstation transaction status and the selected fueling station item; andproviding the second two-dimensional barcode to a display of the enduser device for depiction on the end user device display.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the fueling station item characterizes one or moreof a type of the fuel, a grade of the fuel, and an amount of the fuel.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fueling station item characterizesa usage of an air compressor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thefueling station item charactelizes a usage of an on-site car wash. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the fueling station item characterizesone or more convenience store items.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe two-dimensional barcode is a quick reference code.
 8. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the second two dimensional barcode is a quick referencecode.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fuel dispenser displaycomprises a touchscreen.
 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the secondtwo dimensional barcode encodes information characterizing a couponstored in a memory of the end user device.
 11. A system comprising: atleast one data processor; and memory storing instructions configured tocause the at least one data processor to perform operations comprising:receiving, by at least one data processor of a fuel dispenser, datacharacterizing a selection of a fueling station item, the fuelingstation item graphically depicted on a display of the fuel dispenser andcharacterizing a fuel available at the fuel dispenser, the at least onedata processor operably coupled to the fuel dispenser display;determining, by the at least one data processor and based on thereceived data, a two-dimensional barcode encoding informationcharacterizing the selected fueling station item; displaying, thetwo-dimensional barcode on the fuel dispenser display; receiving, by theat least one data processor, a fueling instruction characterizing acommand to dispense, by the fuel dispenser, an authorized amount of thefuel, the fueling instruction determined based on authorization datacharacterizing the authorized amount of the fuel, the authorization datadetermined based on a user interaction with the displayedtwo-dimensional barcode; and causing the fuel dispenser to dispense theauthorized amount of fuel based on the received fueling instruction. 12.The system of claim 11, the operations further comprising: receiving, ata camera of an end user device, the two-dimensional barcode depicted onthe fuel dispenser display; receiving, at the end user device, a datapacket, the data packet characterizing a status of a fueling stationtransaction; determining, based on the two-dimensional barcode and thedata packet, and at the end user device, a second two-dimensionalbarcode, the second two-dimensional barcode encoding informationcharacterizing the fueling station transaction status and the selectedfueling station item; and providing the second two-dimensional barcodeto a display of the end user device for depiction on the end user devicedisplay.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the fueling station itemincludes one or more of a type of the fuel, a grade of the fuel, and anamount of the fuel.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the fuelingstation item characterizes a usage of an air compressor.
 15. The systemof claim 11, wherein the fueling station item characterizes a usage ofan on-site car wash.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the fuelingstation item characterizes one or more convenience store items.
 17. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the two-dimensional barcode is a quickreference code.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the second twodimensional barcode is a quick reference code.
 19. The system of claim11, wherein the fuel dispenser display comprises a touchscreen.
 20. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the second two dimensional barcode encodesinformation characterizing a coupon stored in a memory of the end userdevice.
 21. A non-transitory computer program product storinginstructions which, when executed by at least one data processor formingpart of at least one computing system, cause the at least one dataprocessor to implement operations comprising: receiving, by at least onedata processor of a fuel dispenser, data characterizing a selection of afueling station item, the fueling station item graphically depicted on adisplay of the fuel dispenser and characterizing a fuel available at thefuel dispenser, the at least one data processor operably coupled to thefuel dispenser display; determining, by the at least one data processorand based on the received data, a two-dimensional barcode encodinginformation characterizing the selected fueling station item; displayingthe two-dimensional barcode on the fuel dispenser display; receiving, bythe at least one data processor, a fueling instruction characterizing acommand to dispense, by the fuel dispenser, an authorized amount of thefuel, the fueling instruction determined based on authorization datacharacterizing the authorized amount of the fuel, the authorization datadetermined based on a user interaction with the displayedtwo-dimensional barcode; and causing the fuel dispenser to dispense theauthorized amount of fuel based on the received fueling instruction. 22.The computer program product of claim 21, the operations furthercomprising: receiving, at a camera of an end user device, thetwo-dimensional barcode depicted on the fuel dispenser display;receiving, at the end user device, a data packet, the data packetcharacterizing a status of a fueling station transaction; determining,based on the two-dimensional barcode and the data packet, and at the enduser device, a second two-dimensional barcode, the secondtwo-dimensional barcode encoding information characterizing the fuelingstation transaction status and the selected fueling station item; andproviding the second two-dimensional barcode to a display of the enduser device for depiction on the end user device display.
 23. Thecomputer program product of claim 21, wherein the two-dimensionalbarcode is a quick reference code.
 24. The computer program product ofclaim 21, wherein the fuel dispenser display comprises a touchscreen.